Train maintenance automating system

ABSTRACT

An automation system for train maintenance that performs operations related to train maintenance without human intervention is provided. The automation system for train maintenance comprises a refuse reservoir ( 10 ), a sewage tank ( 20 ), a water tank ( 30 ), and expanders ( 41, 42, 51, 61 ). In this automation system, when a railway vehicle is parked, the expanders ( 41, 42, 51, 61 ) are expanded to lift connectors ( 45, 54, 64 ) toward the railway vehicle for connection to the refuse reservoir ( 10 ), sewage tank ( 20 ), and water tank ( 30 ). In this automation system, discharge of refuse, removal of sewage, and feeding of water are automatically performed. Upon completion of these operations, the expanders ( 41, 42, 51, 61 ) are contracted so that the connectors ( 44, 45, 54, 55, 64, 65 ) are stored in waiting locations ( 48, 58 ). Therefore, use of this automation system for train maintenance allows automatic train maintenance without human intervention.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to an automation system for trainmaintenance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Conventionally, a railway vehicle forming a train like a bullettrain is equipped with a refuse reservoir for storing refuse producedinside the vehicle, a water tank for storing water such as drinkingwater, and a sewage tank for storing sewage produced inside the vehicle.Those reservoir and tanks are provided in the lower part of the vehicle.

[0003] Operations for train maintenance, like removal of refuse from therefuse reservoir, feeding of water to the water tank and suction ofsewage from the sewage tank, are performed at train stations where thetrain stops and in train maintenance grounds.

[0004] Among the above mentioned operations, removal of refuse isperformed directly by a laborer who opens a lid, provided on the outerside of the vehicle and covering a passage leading the refuse reservoir,and takes out the refuse collected in the reservoir by hand. Feeding ofwater is also performed by a laborer, who attaches a hose extending froma feed pump provided on the ground to a faucet of the water tankmanually. Suction of sewage is also performed by a laborer, who attachesa hose extending from a suction pump provided on the ground to suck thesewage to a faucet of the sewage tank manually.

[0005] However, such operations are so-called three-K (a coined wordgenerated from the first letter of three adjectives in Japaneselanguage, that is, “Kiken (dangerous)”, “Kitanai (dirty)” and “Kitsui(hard)”) operations. Therefore, there are not many young people who arewilling to take over such operations. This tendency is expected to gohigh in the near future, due to decline of the birthrate. Accordingly,automation of such operations has been desired.

[0006] In addition, the laborer will be exposed to a magnetic field of asuper conductive magnet during the operations if the maintenance of arailway vehicle forming a maglev train is performed in the conventionalmanner. To avoid such danger, the super conductive magnet has to bedemagnetized. Once the super conductive magnet is demagnetized, however,it takes long to magnetize the super conductive magnet once again. Thusoperating performance of the train is lowered. Moreover, on a track ofthe maglev train, a guideway for guiding a maglev train is provided.Since the sidewalls of the guideway, which stand on both sides of themaglev train, hinder easy access to the lower part of the vehicle,automation of such train maintenance operations is strongly desired inthis field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide an automationsystem for train maintenance, which allows maintenance of a trainwithout human intervention.

[0008] In order to attain the above object, the present invention setforth in claim 1 provides an automation system for train maintenancewhich maintains a train while the train is parked. The system comprisesstoring means provided on a railway vehicle forming a train,feeding/discharging means provided on the ground for feeding the storageto be supplied to and discharge the storage to be discharged from thestoring means via a feeding/discharging opening, and feeding/dischargingopening shifting means for access movement, that is, moving thefeeding/discharging opening of the feeding/discharging means toward therailway vehicle from the waiting location on the ground to connect theopening to the storing means and for disconnection movement, that is,moving the feeding/discharging opening connected to the storing meansaway from the railway vehicle toward the waiting location to disconnectthe opening from the storing means. The system further comprises parkingdetermination means for determining whether the train is parked,connection determination means for determining whether thefeeding/discharging means is connected to the storing means,feeding/discharging completion determination means for determiningwhether the feeding of the storage to be supplied or discharge of thestorage to be discharged is completed, access control means for urgingthe feeding/discharging means to perform the access movement when theparking determination means determines that the train is parked,feeding/discharging movement control means for urging thefeeding/discharging means to feed the storage to be supplied ordischarge storage to be discharged when the connection determinationmeans determines that the feeding/discharging opening is connected tothe storing means, and disconnection movement control means for urgingthe feeding/discharging opening shifting means to perform thedisconnection movement when the feeding/discharging completiondetermination means determines that the feeding of the storage to besupplied or discharge of the storage to be discharged is completed.

[0009] The automation system for train maintenance of the presentinvention provides the feeding/discharging means and thefeeding/discharging opening shifting means for moving thefeeding/discharging opening of the feeding/discharging means toward oraway from the railway vehicle on the ground. The feeding/dischargingopening is moved toward the railway vehicle from the waiting location tobe connected to the storing means when it is determined that the trainis parked, and is disconnected from the storing means when it isdetermined that the feeding of the storage to be supplied or dischargeof the storage to be discharged is completed. In this way, the operationfor connecting and disconnecting the feeding/discharging opening to andfrom the storing means is automatically performed. Furthermore, theautomation system of the present invention activates thefeeding/discharging means when it is determined that thefeeding/discharging opening is connected to the storing means andinactivates the feeding/discharging means when it is determined that thefeeding of the storage to be supplied or discharge of the storage to bedischarged is completed. In this way, the operation for feeding thestorage to be supplied or discharging the storage to be discharged isautomatically performed when the feeding/discharging opening isconnected to the storing means. In other words, the automation systemfor train maintenance of the present invention automates the operationsrelating to the train maintenance by automatically performing theoperation for connecting and disconnecting the feeding/dischargingopening to and from the storing means and the operation for feeding thestorage to be supplied and discharging of the storage to be dischargedby way of the feeding/discharging means. Accordingly, the automationsystem for train maintenance of the present invention allows automatictrain maintenance without human intervention.

[0010] For example, if the storing means is a refuse reservoir, thestorage to be discharged is refuse, etc. produced inside the vehicle,and if the storing means is a sewage tank, the storage to be dischargedis sewage like excreta and the storage to be supplied is water, etc. tofluidify the sewage. If the storing means is a water tank, the storageto be supplied and discharged is drinking water, etc., and if thestoring means is a fuel tank, the storage to be supplied is fuel.Various other combinations of the storing means and the storage to besupplied and discharged can be considered.

[0011] The invention set forth in claim 2 provides the automation systemfor train maintenance as set forth in claim 1 that further comprisestraveling direction shifting means. When the parking determination meansdetermines that the train is parked, the access movement control meansurges the traveling direction shifting means to move thefeeding/discharging opening to the predetermined position if there is agap between the actual parking position where the train is actuallyparked and the predetermined parking position where the train is to beparked, and urges the feeding/discharging opening shifting means toperform the access movement. In this case, if the vehicle is not parkedat the predetermined position, the feeding/discharging opening is movedto the position where the train maintenance is possible to eliminate thegap between the actual parking position and the predetermined parkingposition. Accordingly, the automation system for train maintenance ofthe present invention allows automatic train maintenance even if therailway vehicle is not parked at the right position.

[0012] The invention set forth in claim 3 provides the automation systemfor train maintenance as set forth in claim 1 or 2 wherein thefeeding/discharging opening shifting means is formed from vibrationabsorbent which absorbs vibration of the railway vehicle. In this case,even if the vehicle vibrates during getting on and off of thepassengers, the feeding/discharging opening shifting means also vibratesto the vibration so as not to disconnect the feeding/discharging openingfrom the storing means. Accordingly, the automation system for trainmaintenance of the present invention allows reliable maintenance of therailway vehicle even during getting on and off of the passengers.Particularly, as set forth in claim 4, it is preferable that thefeeding/discharging opening shifting means is constituted from amultiple-layered airing which is composed of expandable airings that arelayered in their expanding direction.

[0013] The invention set forth in claim 5 discloses the automationsystem for train maintenance as set forth in one of claims 1-4 whereinthe storing means is provided with grinding means for grinding thestorage to be discharged inside the storing means. The automation systemfor train maintenance of the present invention grinds the storage to bedischarged stored in the storing means, and thus ensures discharge ofthe storage to be discharged like refuse that is larger than the openingarea of the feeding/discharging opening.

[0014] In the invention set forth in claim 6, the feeding/dischargingmeans includes vacuuming means for vacuuming the storage to bedischarged from the storing means. The storing means comprises a lidcapable of sealing a mouth provided in the passenger cabin of therailway vehicle for throwing the storage to be discharged into thestoring means and air supplying means for supplying the air to thestoring means. While the storage to be discharged is being vacuumed bythe vacuuming means, the mouth is sealed with the lid and the air issupplied to the storing means by the air supplying means. In theautomation system for train maintenance of the present invention, themouth provided in the passenger cabin is sealed with the lid while thestorage to be discharged like refuse is being vacuumed. Therefore,suction of the air in the passenger cabin is avoided and thus, dischargeof the storage to be discharged can be performed without offending thepassengers. Furthermore, in the automation system for train maintenanceof the present invention, the air supplying means supplies the air tothe storing means while the air is being vacuumed. Therefore, even ifthe air present at the beginning inside the storing means sealed bysealing of the mouth is sucked, continuous discharge of the storage tobe discharged is possible owing to the supplied air. Moreover, collapseof the storing means is avoided even if the air pressure inside thestoring means is lowered.

[0015] Then, as set forth in claim 7, it is preferable that the airsupplying means diffuses the storage to be discharged toward thedirection of the discharge opening by means of the air supplied into thestoring means. In this way, the storage to be discharged inside thestoring means is diffused and can be discharged without being stuckinside the storing means.

[0016] The invention set forth in claim 8 provides the automation systemfor train maintenance as set forth in one of claims 1-7 that furthercomprises female connecting means that is provided in one of aconnection opening of the storing means and the feeding/dischargingopening of the feeding/discharging means. The female connecting means isformed into a taper so that the opening area of the female connectingmeans is enlarged toward the tip. The automation system for trainmaintenance also comprises male connecting means, for being connected tothe female connecting means, that is provided in the other of theconnection opening of the storing means and the feeding/dischargingopening of the feeding/discharging means. The access movement meansurges the feeding/discharging opening shifting means to perform theaccess movement when the female connecting means faces the maleconnecting means. In this manner, even if the railway vehicle is notparked at the right position and the feeding/discharging opening is thusmore or less off the position to be attached to the storing means, themale connecting means can move its position along the taper of thefemale connecting means, if only the male connecting means is positionedwithin the opening area of the female connecting means. Thus thefeeding/discharging opening is guided to the position where it can beconnected to the storing means, while the feeding/discharging opening isbeing moved toward the vehicle. Therefore, the connection of thefeeding/discharging opening to the storing means is ensured.

[0017] The invention set forth in claim 9 provides isolation means forpreventing fluctuation of the air pressure from affecting theenvironment inside the railway vehicle through an opening provided onthe vehicle for connecting the feeding/discharging opening to thestoring means installed in the vehicle. Then, fluctuation of the airpressure which may be caused by passing of the other trains during thetrain maintenance does not affect the air inside the vehicle, and thusthe environment in the passenger cabin can be comfortably maintained.

[0018]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]FIG. 1 shows an automation system for train maintenance of thepresent embodiment as a whole;

[0020]FIG. 2 is a layout plan of first to third feeding/dischargingopening shifting devices, a refuse reservoir, a sewage tank and a watertank to a railway vehicle and a travel passage;

[0021]FIG. 3 is a layout plan of the third feeding/discharging openingshifting device and water tank, viewed from the traveling direction ofthe railway vehicle;

[0022] FIGS. 4A-4C are cross sectional views of a faucet and a connectorof the first feeding/discharging opening shifting means, in which FIG.4A shows the view before connecting the faucet to the connector, FIG. 4Bshows the view after the connection, and FIG. 4C shows the view ofcommunication to a storing portion;

[0023] FIGS. 5A-5C are cross sectional views of a faucet and a connectorof the second feeding/discharging opening shifting means, in which FIG.5A shows the view before connecting the faucet to the connector, FIG. 5Bshows the view after the connection, and FIG. 5C shows the view in themiddle of discharge of sewage;

[0024] FIGS. 6A-6C are cross sectional views of a faucet and a connectorof the third feeding/discharging shifting opening means, in which FIG.6A shows the view before connecting the faucet to the connector, FIG. 6Bshows the view after the connection, and FIG. 6C shows the view in themiddle of feeding of water;

[0025]FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a parking verifying process;

[0026]FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a refuse discharging process to beperformed upon discharge of the refuse from the refuse reservoir;

[0027] FIGS. 9A-9F are explanatory views illustrating movements of therespective devices upon discharge of the refuse from the refusereservoir;

[0028]FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a sewage discharging process and a waterfeeding process for feeding water to the water tank, to be performedupon discharge of the sewage from the sewage tank; and

[0029] FIGS. 11A-11E are explanatory views illustrating movements of therespective devices upon suction of the sewage from the sewage tank andupon feeding of water to the water tank.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0030] The invention will now be described, by way of example, withreference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031]FIG. 1 shows an automation system for train maintenance of thepresent embodiment as a whole. FIG. 2 is a layout plan of first to thirdfeeding/discharging opening shifting devices, a refuse reservoir, asewage tank and a water tank to a railway vehicle and a travel passage.The sewage reservoir is shown in perspective. FIG. 3 is a layout plan ofthe third feeding/discharging opening shifting device and water tank,viewed from the traveling direction (arrow Y direction in FIG. 2) of therailway vehicle. FIGS. 4A-4C are cross sectional views of a connector ofthe first feeding/discharging opening shifting device and a faucet ofthe refuse reservoir. FIG. 4A shows the view before connecting thefaucet to the connector, FIG. 4B shows the view after the connection,and FIG. 4C shows the view when an inner partition is removed. FIGS.5A-5C are cross sectional views of a connector of the secondfeeding/discharging opening means and a faucet of the sewage tank. FIG.5A shows the view before connecting the faucet to the connector, FIG. 5Bshows the view after the connection, and FIG. 5C shows the view when avalve is open. FIGS. 6A-6C are cross sectional views of a connector ofthe third feeding/discharging opening means and a faucet of the watertank. FIG. 6A shows the view before connecting the faucet to theconnector, FIG. 6B shows the view after the connection, and FIG. 6Cshows the view when a valve is open.

[0032] An automation system 1 of the present embodiment comprises arefuse reservoir 10, a sewage tank 20, a water tank 30, a firstfeeding/discharging opening shifting device 40, a secondfeeding/discharging opening shifting device 50, a thirdfeeding/discharging opening shifting device 60, and ground equipment 70,as shown in FIG. 1. This automation system 1 is controlled by a controldevice 79 provided with the ground equipment 70. Transmission andreception of control signals exchanged between the ground equipment 70and a railway vehicle 90 are performed via the existing communicationfacility which allows communication between the railway vehicle 90 sideand the ground side.

[0033] Constitution of the refuse reservoir 10 is now described.

[0034] The refuse reservoir 10, as shown in FIG. 2, is placed under afloor 92 which forms a passenger cabin of the railway vehicle 90 (seeFIG. 1). It comprises a grinder 11, a compressed air supplying unit 12,a faucet 13, a body side cover 14, and a partition wall 15. Part of therefuse reservoir 10 extends above the floor 92. The extended portion isreferred to as a trash box portion 18, and the portion to which therefuse sent from the trash box portion 18 is stored is referred to as astoring portion 19 hereafter. This refuse reservoir 10 corresponds tothe storing means of the present invention, and the refuse to be storedin the refuse reservoir 10 corresponds to the storage to be discharged.The partition wall 15 corresponds to the isolation means of the presentinvention.

[0035] The grinder 11 is positioned in the vicinity of the boundarybetween the trash box portion 18 and the storing portion 19. It grindsthe refuse thrown into the trash box portion 18 and carries the groundrefuse into the storing portion 19. The grinder 11 detects a drop of therefuse into the trash box portion 18, and is activated for apredetermined period of time. This grinder 11 is driven by a motor 110provided outside the refuse reservoir 10. The grinder 11 may be operatedat all times during the railway vehicle 90 is in service.

[0036] The compressed air supplying unit 12 comprises a spouting unit120 and a faucet 122. The spouting unit 120 is arranged in the ceilingpart of the storing portion 19. The faucet 122 is arranged between thebottom of the refuse reservoir 10 and a bottom part 94 of the railwayvehicle 90. The spouting unit 120 and the faucet 122 are connected toeach other via a pipe 124 provided along the outer periphery of therefuse reservoir 10. The spouting unit 120 comprises a plurality ofnozzles 121. In this compressed air supplying unit 12, the faucet 122 isconnected to a connector 44 of the first feeding/discharging openingshifting device 40. As the compressed air is sent from the firstfeeding/discharging opening shifting device 40, the compressed airspouts from the nozzles 121 of the spouting unit 120 toward the refuse.The compressed air supplying unit 12 and a compressed air pump 73 (seeFIG. 1) composing the ground equipment 70 correspond to the airsupplying means of the present invention.

[0037] The faucet 13 is attached to the bottom of the refuse reservoir10. As shown in FIG. 4A, it has a discharging hole 134 for dischargingthe refuse collected in the storing portion 19 to the outside. Thefaucet 13 is provided with a first inner partition 130 for closing thedischarging hole 134 on the storing portion 19 side, and a second innerpartition 132 for closing the discharging hole 134 on the more outerside than the first inner partition 130. These inner partitions 130, 132open and close the discharging hole 134 according to instructions fromthe control device 79. The faucet 13 also comprises a male connectingportion 136 of which periphery of an end to which the connector 45 is tobe connected is turned up to form an umbrella-like shape. In a grooveprovided on the tip of the turnup, a gasket 138 is provided so that theairtight connection between the male connecting portion 136 and a femaleconnecting portion 453 can be realized. The first inner partition 130,which directly separates the inner side of the refuse reservoir 10 fromthe outside, is for isolation of the refuse. The second inner partition132, which separates the inner side of the refuse reservoir 10 from theoutside on the more outer side than the first inner partition 130, isfor securing the airtight condition. In this manner, even if the firstinner partition 130 does not close completely owing to the stuck refuse,etc., the second inner partition can succeed in separating the innerside of the refuse reservoir 10 from the outside in the airtight manner.

[0038] The body side cover 14 is arranged on the bottom part 94 facingthe faucets 122 and 13, as shown in FIG. 2. It is opened and closedaccording to instructions from the control device 79. The body sidecover 14 allows the connector 44 to be connected to the faucet 122 aswell as the connector 45 to be connected to the faucet 13 externally.

[0039] The partition wall 15 is arranged to surround a space between therefuse reservoir 10 and the bottom part 94. In the space, the faucets122 and 13 are arranged. The partition wall 15 is so arranged that itseparates the inner side of the railway vehicle 90 from the outside inthe airtight manner when the body side cover 14 is opened. The partitionwall 15 is provided so that the change in the air pressure which may becaused when the other trains pass the station does not affect the air inthe passenger cabin.

[0040] The trash box portion 18 is provided with a mouth 180 on the sideof its upper portion. It is also provided with a lid 182 for opening andclosing the mouth 180. The lid 182 can be locked by instructions fromthe control device 79 and close the trash box 18 in the airtight manner.

[0041] Now, constitution of the sewage tank 20 is explained.

[0042] The sewage tank 20 is provided under the floor 92. It comprises asewage discharging duct 21, a water feeding duct 22, a faucet 23, afaucet 24, a body side cover 25, and a partition wall 26. The sewagelike waste water produced in a toilet and lavatory installed in therailway vehicle 90 is collected in the sewage tank 20. The sewage tank20 corresponds to the storing means of the present invention, the sewageto be collected corresponds to the storage to be discharged, and thepartition 26 corresponds to the isolation means.

[0043] The sewage discharging duct 21 is connected to the bottom part ofthe sewage tank 20. The sewage inside the sewage tank 20 is dischargedto the outside through the faucet 23.

[0044] The water feeding duct 22 is a duct for feeding base water intothe sewage tank 20 after removal of the sewage. It feeds base watersupplied from the outside through the faucet 24 into the sewage tank 20.This base water prevents the sewage from being stuck to the sewage tank20 while the sewage is stored inside the sewage tank 20. Beingdischarged with the sewage, it also helps smooth discharge of the sewagefrom the sewage tank 20 and cleans the inside of the sewage tank 20.

[0045] The faucet 23 is connected to the sewage discharging duct 21 viaa rotary valve 238, as shown in FIG. 5A. It has a communicating hole 231leading to the sewage discharging duct 21. By rotating a valve 239according to instructions from the control device 79, the rotary valve238 allows communication between the communicating hole 231 and thesewage discharging duct 21, as shown in FIG. 5C. The faucet 23 comprisesa male connecting portion 233 of which periphery of an end to which aconnector 54 of the second feeding/discharging opening shifting device50 is to be connected is turned up to form an umbrella-like shape. In agroove provided on the tip of the turnup, a gasket 234 is provided sothat the airtight connection between a female connecting portion 543 andthe male connecting portion 233 can be realized.

[0046] The faucet 24 is connected to the base water feeding duct 22 viaa rotary valve 248, as shown in FIG. 6A. It has a communicating hole 241leading to the base water feeding duct 22. By rotating a valve 249according to instructions from the control device 79, the rotary valve248 allows communication between the communicating hole 241 and the basewater feeding duct 22, as shown in FIG. 6C. The faucet 24 comprises afemale connecting portion 243 formed into a taper so that the openingarea is enlarged toward the tip, on the periphery of an end of thefaucet 24 which is to be connected to a connector 55 of the secondfeeding/discharging opening shifting device 50.

[0047] The body side cover 25 is arranged on the bottom part 94 facingthe faucets 23 and 24, as shown in FIG. 2. It is opened and closedaccording to instructions from the control device 79. The body sidecover 25 allows the connector 54 to be connected to the faucet 23 aswell as the connector 55 to be connected to the faucet 24 externally.

[0048] The partition wall 26 is arranged to surround a space between thefaucets 23, 24. It is so arranged that it separates the inner side ofthe railway vehicle 90 from the outside in the airtight manner when thebody side cover 25 is opened. The partition wall 26, like the partitionwall 15, is provided so that the change in the air pressure which may becaused when the other trains pass the station does not affect the air inthe passenger cabin.

[0049] Constitution of the water tank 30 is now described.

[0050] The water tank 30 is provided under the floor 92. It comprises awater feeding duct 31, a water discharging duct 32, a faucet 33, afaucet 34, a body side cover 35, and a partition wall 36. Water to beused as drinking water and washing water in a water feeder, a lavatoryand toilet installed in the railway vehicle 90 is stored in the watertank 30. The water tank 30 corresponds to the storing means of thepresent invention. The water to be stored in the water tank 30corresponds to the storage to be fed.

[0051] The water feeding duct 31 is connected to the ceiling of thewater tank 30. The water supplied from the outside through the faucet 33is fed into the water tank 30.

[0052] The water discharging duct 32 is connected to the bottom of thewater tank 30. It discharges water stored inside the water tank 30through the faucet 34. The water tank 30 is designed to discharge thewater after a predetermined period of time. Accordingly, this waterdischarging duct 32 is used to discharge water inside the water tank 30after the predetermined period of time. In the present embodiment,discharge of the water in the water tank 30 may be performed whennecessary, without fixing the time interval.

[0053] The faucet 33 is connected to the water feeding duct 31 via arotary valve 338, as shown in FIG. 6A. It has a communicating hole 331leading to the water feeding duct 31. By rotating a valve 339 accordingto instructions from the control device 79, the rotary valve 338 allowscommunication between the communicating hole 331 and the water feedingduct 31, as shown in FIG. 6C. The faucet 33 comprises a femaleconnecting portion 333 formed into a taper so that the opening area isenlarged toward the tip, on the periphery of an end of the faucet 33which is to be connected to a connector 64 of the thirdfeeding/discharging opening shifting device 60.

[0054] The faucet 34 is connected to the water discharging duct 32 via arotary valve 348, as shown in FIG. 5A. It has a communicating hole 341leading to the water discharging duct 32. By rotating a valve 349according to instructions from the control device 79, the rotary valve348 allows communication between the communicating hole 341 and thewater discharging duct 32, as shown in FIG. 5C. The faucet 34 comprisesa male connecting portion 343 of which periphery of an end to which aconnector 64 of the third feeding/discharging opening shifting device 60is to be connected is turned up to form an umbrella-like shape. In agroove provided on the tip of the turnup, a gasket 344 is provided sothat the airtight connection between a female connecting portion 653 andthe male connecting portion 343 can be realized.

[0055] The body side cover 35 is arranged on the bottom part 94 facingthe faucets 33 and 34, as shown in FIG. 2. It is opened and closedaccording to instructions from the control device 79. The body sidecover 35 allows the connector 64 to be connected to the faucet 33 aswell as the connector 65 to be connected to the faucet 34 externally.

[0056] The partition wall 36 is arranged to surround a space between thefaucets 33, 34. It is so arranged that it separates the inner side ofthe railway vehicle 90 from the outside in the airtight manner when thebody side cover 35 is opened. The partition wall 36, like the partitionwall 15, is provided so that the change in the air pressure which may becaused when the other trains pass the station does not affect the air inthe passenger cabin. The partition wall 36 corresponds to the isolationmeans of the present invention.

[0057] Constitution of the first feeding/discharging opening shiftingdevice 40 is explained hereafter.

[0058] This first feeding/discharging opening shifting device 40comprises expanders 41, 42, a refuse discharging duct 43, a connector44, a connector 45, a shifter 46, and a ground side cover 47. The firstsupply/discharging opening shifting device 40 is installed within awaiting location 48 excavated about in the middle of travel passages 82,82 with which a pair of wheels 96, 96 (see FIG. 3) of the railwayvehicle 90 are in contact.

[0059] The expanders 41, 42 are constituted from a multiple-layeredairing which is composed of a plurality of expandable airings that arelayered in their expanding direction. Each of the airings is designed tobe expanded perpendicularly toward the railway vehicle 90 from thewaiting location 48, when the compressed air is supplied from the groundequipment 70. These expanders 41, 42 are arranged along the travelingdirection of the railway vehicle 90 on both sides of the refusedischarging duct 43, and are placed on the respective end portions of alongitudinal bottom beam 410. Above the expanders 41, 42, a ceiling beam420 is provided so that the expanders 41, 42 can cooperate to lift theconnector 45 toward the railway vehicle 90 (see FIG. 1). The reason whythe multiple-layered airing is used as the expanders 41, 42 is toprevent disconnection between the coupled faucet 14 and connector 45,etc. owing to the vibration caused during getting on and off of thepassengers. In other words, this multiple-layered airing twists andturns to the vibration of the railway vehicle 90 so as not to disconnectthe coupled faucet 13 and connector 45.

[0060] The refuse discharging duct 43 is for sending the refusecollected inside the refuse reservoir 10 to the ground equipment 70side. This refuse discharging duct 43 is formed of a bellows-likeexpandable duct so that it can be expanded and contracted along withexpansion and contraction of the expanders 41, 42. The tip of the refusedischarging duct 43 is fixed to the back side of the ceiling beam 420 onwhich the connector 45 is placed.

[0061] The connector 44 is for relaying the compressed air from theground equipment 70 (see FIG. 1) to the compressed air supplying unit12. It is provided in the middle of the ceiling part of the expander 41and is for being connected to the faucet 122.

[0062] The connector 45 is attached to the middle part of thelongitudinal length of the ceiling beam 420 extending over the expanders41, 42. As shown in FIG. 4A, it has a communicating hole 451 whichallows communication between the refuse discharging duct 43 and theoutside. The connector 45 also has a female connecting portion 453formed into a taper so that the opening area of the female connectingportion 453 is enlarged toward the tip, on the periphery of an end ofthe connector 45 to which the faucet 13 is to be connected.

[0063] The shifter 46 is provided under the bottom beam 410. It movesthe expanders 41, 42 placed on the bottom beam 410 along the travelingdirection of the railway vehicle 90 according to instructions from thecontrol device 79. This shifter 46 corresponds to the travelingdirection shifting means of the present invention.

[0064] The ground side cover 47 is arranged on the ceiling part of thewaiting location 48. It is opened and closed according to instructionsfrom the control device 79.

[0065] Constitution of the second feeding/discharging opening shiftingdevice 50 is explained hereafter.

[0066] This second feeding/discharging opening shifting device 50comprises an expander 51, a refuse discharging duct 52, a base waterfeeding duct 53, a connector 54, a connector 55, a shifter 56, and aground side cover 57. The second supply/discharging opening shiftingdevice 50 is installed within a waiting location 58 excavated about inthe middle of the travel passages 82, 82 with which the pair of wheels96, 96 (see FIG. 3) of the railway vehicle 90 are in contact.

[0067] The expander 51 is constituted from a multiple-layered airingwhich is composed of a plurality of expandable airings that are layeredin their expanding direction. Each of the airings is designed to beexpanded perpendicularly toward the railway vehicle 90 from the waitinglocation 58, when the compressed air is supplied from the groundequipment 70. This expander 51 is arranged above an end of alongitudinal bottom beam 510 extending along the traveling direction ofthe railway vehicle 90.

[0068] The refuse discharging duct 52 is for sending the sewagecollected inside the sewage tank 20 to the ground equipment 70 side viathe sewage discharging duct 21. It is connected to the ground equipment70 side through the middle of a ring of the expander 51. This sewagedischarging duct 52 is a flexible tube, and has a sufficient length onthe ground side to be capable of being moved by the expander 51.

[0069] The base water feeding duct 53 is for supplying the base waterinto the sewage tank 20 from the ground equipment 70 side via the basewater feeding duct 22. It is connected to the ground equipment 70 sidethrough the middle of the ring of the expander 51. This base waterfeeding duct 53 is also a flexible tube, and has a sufficient length onthe ground side to be capable of being moved by the expander 51.

[0070] The connector 54 is connected to the sewage discharging duct 52,as shown in FIG. 5A. It has a communicating hole 541 leading to thesewage discharging duct 52. The connector 54 comprises a femaleconnecting portion 543 formed into a taper so that the opening area ofthe female connecting portion 543 is enlarged toward the tip, on theperiphery of an end of the connector 54 which is to be connected to thefaucet 23.

[0071] The connector 55 has a communicating hole 551 leading to the basewater feeding duct 53, as shown in FIG. 6A. The connector 55 alsocomprises a male connecting portion 553 of which periphery of an end towhich the faucet 24 is to be connected is turned up to form anumbrella-like shape. In a groove provided on the tip of the turnup, agasket 554 is provided so that the airtight connection between thefemale connecting portion 243 and a male connecting portion 553 can berealized.

[0072] The shifter 56 is provided under the bottom beam 510, as shown inFIG. 2. It moves the expanders 51, 61 placed on the bottom beam 510along the traveling direction of the railway vehicle 90 according toinstructions from the control device 79. This shifter 56 corresponds tothe traveling direction shifting means of the present invention.

[0073] The ground side cover 57 is arranged on the ceiling part of thewaiting location 48. It is opened and closed according to instructionsfrom the control device 79. As shown in FIG. 3, this ground side cover57 consists of two covers 570, 571 which swing open on fulcra providedin the cross direction of the railway vehicle 90. The width of thesecovers 570, 571 is determined so that they fall short of the bottom part94 of the railway vehicle 90 when they are opened. The ground side cover47 is constituted in the same manner as the ground side cover 57.

[0074] Constitution of the third feeding/discharging opening shiftingdevice 60 is explained hereafter.

[0075] This third feeding/discharging opening shifting device 60comprises the expander 61, a water feeding duct 62, a water dischargingduct 63, a connector 64, a connector 65, the shifter 56, and the groundside cover 57. The third supply/discharging opening shifting device 60is installed within a waiting location 58. The shifter 56 and groundside cover 57 have been described in the above. Therefore, thedescriptions thereof are not repeated.

[0076] The expander 61 is constituted from a multiple-layered airingwhich is composed of a plurality of expandable airings that are layeredin their expanding direction. Each of the airings is designed to beexpanded perpendicularly toward the railway vehicle 90 from the waitinglocation 58, when the compressed air is supplied from the groundequipment 70. This expander 61 is arranged above the other end of thelongitudinal bottom beam 510 along the traveling direction of therailway vehicle 90.

[0077] The water feeding duct 62 is for sending water into the watertank 30 from the ground equipment 70 side via the water feeding duct 31.It is connected to the ground equipment 70 side through the middle of aring of the expander 61. This water feeding duct 62 is a flexible tube,and has a sufficient length on the ground side to be capable of beingmoved by the expander 61.

[0078] The water discharging duct 63 is for discharging water collectedin the water tank 30 to the ground equipment 70 side via the waterdischarging duct 32. It is connected to the ground equipment 70 sidethrough the middle of the ring of the expander 61. This waterdischarging duct 63 is also a flexible tube, and has a sufficient lengthon the ground side to be capable of being moved by the expander 61.

[0079] The connector 64 has a communicating hole 641 leading to thewater feeding duct 62, as shown in FIG. 6A. The connector 64 comprises amale connecting portion 643 of which periphery of an end to which thefaucet 33 is to be connected is turned up to form an umbrella-likeshape. In a groove provided on the tip of the turnup, a gasket 644 isprovided so that the airtight connection between the female connectingportion 333 and the male connecting portion 643 can be realized.

[0080] The connector 65 is connected to the water discharging duct 63,as shown in FIG. 5A. It has a communicating hole 651 leading to thewater discharging duct 63. The connector 65 also comprises a femaleconnecting portion 653 formed into a taper so that the opening area ofthe female connecting portion 653 is enlarged toward the tip.

[0081] Now, constitution of the ground equipment 70 is described.

[0082] This ground equipment 70 comprises a parking surveillance camera71, a vehicle parking position determination unit 72, a compressed airpump 73, a refuse vacuuming unit 74, a sewage sucking unit 75, a waterfeeding valve 76, a base water feeding valve 77, a water dischargingpump 78, and a control device 79, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0083] The parking surveillance camera 71 takes a picture of the trainand determines whether the train composed of the railway vehicle 90 isparked. It photographs the position where the train is parked at alltimes.

[0084] The vehicle parking position determination unit 72 detects theposition of a marker 99 painted on the railway vehicle 90, anddetermines whether there is a gap between the predetermined parkingposition at which the railway vehicle 90 is to be parked and the actualparking position at which the railway vehicle 90 is actually parked.

[0085] The compressed air pump 73 supplies compressed air for expandingand contracting the expanders 41, 42, 51, 61 and for being spoutedinside the refuse reservoir 10. The compressed air pump 73 and expanders41, 42, 51, 61 correspond to the feeding/discharging opening shiftingmeans of the present invention.

[0086] The refuse vacuuming unit 74 is connected to the refusedischarging duct 43. It vacuums the refuse collected inside the refusereservoir 10 and sends the vacuumed refuse into a refuse storagefacility not shown. It is operated based on a process in the controldevice 79. The refuse vacuuming unit 74 corresponds to the vacuumingmeans of the present invention.

[0087] The sewage sucking unit 75 is connected to the sewage dischargingduct 52. It sucks the sewage collected inside the sewage tank 20 fromthe sewage tank 20 and sends the sucked sewage into a sewage storagefacility not shown. It is operated based on a process in the controldevice 79.

[0088] The water feeding valve 76 is provided at a connecting pointwhere a water line and the water feeding duct 62 are connected. As thiswater feeding valve 76 is opened, it is possible to feed water to thewater tank 30 via the connector 64. It is opened and closed based on aprocess in the control device 79.

[0089] The base water feeding valve 77 is provided at a connecting pointwhere the water line and the base water feeding duct 53 are connected.As this base water feeding valve 77 is opened, it is possible to feedbase water to the sewage tank 20 via the connector 55. It is opened andclosed based on a process in the control device 79.

[0090] The water discharging pump 78 is connected to the dischargingduct 63. It discharges water stored inside the water tank 30 from thewater tank 30 via the connector 65, and sends the discharged water to asewage line not shown. It is operated based on a process in the controldevice 79.

[0091] The control device 79 performs a parking verifying process, arefuse discharging process, a sewage discharging and water feedingprocess later explained. It controls the overall automation system 1 fortrain maintenance of the present embodiment.

[0092] The refuse vacuuming unit 74, sewage sucking device 75, and waterfeeding valve 76 correspond to the feeding/discharging means of thepresent invention.

[0093] Processes to be performed in the control device 79 forcontrolling the automation system 1 constituted as above are describedhereafter.

[0094] The control device 79 firstly performs the parking verifyingprocess to verify that the train is parked. FIG. 7 is a flowchart ofthis parking verifying process. When the parking verifying process isstarted, the control device 79 activates the parking surveillance camera71 and determines whether the train entering the station yard, etc. isparked (S10). If the train is not parked (S10: NO), the process returnsto step S10. If the railway vehicle 90 is parked (S10: YES), the processis ended. The step S10 corresponds to a process performed by the parkingdetermination means of the present invention.

[0095] After performing the parking verifying process as above, thecontrol device 79 performs the refuse discharging process fordischarging the refuse from the refuse reservoir 10. FIG. 8 is aflowchart of the refuse discharging process, and FIGS. 9A-9F areexplanatory views illustrating movements of the respective devices inthe refuse discharging process. In FIGS. 9A-9F, only the referencenumbers for the devices operated in the respective steps are shown.

[0096] When the refuse discharging process is started, the controldevice 79 determines whether the railway vehicle 90 is parked within anallowable range of the predetermined parking position using the vehicleparking position determination unit 72 (S20). If the railway vehicle 90is parked beyond the allowable range (S20: NO), the control device 79activates the shifter 46 and shifts the expanders 41, 42 together withthe bottom beam 410 to eliminate the gap (S21). Then, the processproceeds to step S22. Steps S20 and S21 correspond to a processperformed by the access movement control means of the present invention.

[0097] In step S22, the control device 79 opens the ground side cover 47(S22: FIG. 9A), opens the body side cover 14 (S23: arrow in FIG. 9B),activates. the compressed air pump 73 to supply the compressed air intothe expanders 41, 42, expands the expanders 41, 42 to move theconnectors 44 and 45 close toward the railway vehicle 90, and performsaccess movement in which the connectors 44, 45 are connected with therespective faucets 122, 13 (S24: FIG. 9C). In this case, even if thepositions of the connector 45 and the faucet 13 are not aligned acrossthe traveling direction as shown in FIG. 4A, the control device 79 movesthe connector 45 close toward the faucet 13, forces the femaleconnecting portion 453 to abut the male connecting portion 136 and movesthe connector 45 upward as it is. Then, the female connecting portion453 moves along the taper, and connection between the female connectingportion 453 and the male connecting portion 136 is ensured (see FIG.4B). Accordingly, the aforesaid gap elimination does not necessarilyhave to be performed with high precision. It is sufficient to park therailway vehicle within an allowable range of the predetermined parkingposition. This step S24 corresponds to a process performed by the accessmovement control means of the present invention.

[0098] Subsequently, the control device 79 determines whether theconnector 44 and the faucet 122, and the connector 45 and the faucet 13are respectively connected by means of a not shown sensor equipped withthe railway vehicle 90 (S25). If they are not connected (S25: NO), theprocess returns to S25. If they are connected (S25: YES), the controldevice 79 stops supplying the compressed air into the expanders 41, 42,locks the lid 182 of the trash box portion 18, and removes the secondinner partition 132 and the first inner partition 130 in this order(S26: see FIG. 4C). Then, it supplies the compressed air to thecompressed air supplying unit 12 to supply the air into the refusereservoir 10, activates the refuse vacuuming unit 74, and starts suctionof the refuse inside the refuse reservoir 10 (S27: FIG. 9D). Since therefuse is ground beforehand by the grinder 11, it is dischargedsmoothly. In addition, since the compressed air spouting from thecompressed air supplying unit 12 blows the refuse, the refuse isdischarged without being stuck. Step S25 corresponds to a processperformed by the connection determination means of the presentinvention, and step S27 corresponds to a process performed by thefeeding/discharging movement control means of the present invention.

[0099] When the suction of the refuse is started, it is determinedwhether the refuse vacuuming unit 74 has been operated normally for apredetermined suction period (S28). The refuse vacuuming unit 74 isdesigned to suck the refuse at a certain suction rate per hour. In thepresent embodiment, the suction period for which the refuse vacuumingunit 74 is operated is preset to a period for which the refuse fillingthe refuse reservoir 10 can be removed all. If the suction period hasnot yet passed in step S28 (S28: NO), the process returns to step S28.If the suction period has passed (S28: YES), the control device 79 stopsoperating the refuse vacuuming unit 74 and supplying the compressed airinto the compressed air supplying unit 12 (S29), brings the first innerpartition 130 and the second inner partition 132 back to their originalpositions in this order, and unlocks the lid 182 of the trash boxportion 18 (S30: FIG. 9E). It further opens a not shown dischargingvalve to discharge the air inside the expanders 41, 42, moves connectors44 and 45 away from the railway vehicle 90, and performs thedisconnection movement which allows the respective connectors 44, 45 tobe disconnected from the faucets 122, 13, respectively (S31). Step S28corresponds to a process performed by the feeding/discharging completiondetermination means, and step S31 corresponds to a process performed bythe disconnection movement means of the present invention.

[0100] Then, the control device 74 confirms that the expanders 41, 42are brought back within the waiting location 48 by means of a not shownsensor (S32). Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 9F, the control device 74closes the body side cover 14, closes the ground side cover 47 (S33),activates the shifter 46 to bring back the expanders 41, 42 to theiroriginal position (S34), and ends this refuse discharging process.

[0101] Aside from or in concurrence with the above refuse dischargingprocess, the control device 79 performs the sewage discharging and waterfeeding/discharging process which allows the sewage to be dischargedfrom the sewage tank 20 and the water to be fed into and discharged fromthe water tank 30 after the aforementioned parking verification process.FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the sewage discharging and waterfeeding/discharging process, and FIGS. 11A-11E are explanatory viewsillustrating movements of the respective devices in this process. InFIGS. 11A-11E, only the reference numbers for the devices operated inthe respective steps are shown.

[0102] When the sewage discharging and water feeding/discharging processis started, the control device 79 firstly determines whether the railwayvehicle 90 is parked within an allowable range of the predeterminedparking position using the vehicle parking position determination unit72 (S40). If the railway vehicle 90 is parked beyond the allowable range(S40: NO), the control device 79 activates the shifter 56 and shifts theexpanders 51, 52 together with the bottom beam 510 to eliminate the gap(S41). Then, the process proceeds to step S42. Steps S40 and S41correspond to a process performed by the access movement control meansof the present invention.

[0103] In step S42, the control device 79 opens the ground side cover 57and the body side covers 25, 35 (S42: arrow in FIG. 11A), activates thecompressed air pump 73 to supply the compressed air into the expanders51, 61, expands the expanders 51, 61 to move the. connectors 54, 55, 64,65 close toward the railway vehicle 90, and performs access movement inwhich the connectors 54, 55, 64, 65 are connected with the respectivefaucets 23, 24, 33, 34 (S43: FIG. 11B). In this case, even if thepositions of the connector 54, 55, 64, 65 and the faucets 23, 24, 33, 34are not aligned more or less across the traveling direction as shown inFIGS. 5A and 6A, connection between them is ensured in the same manneras the aforementioned connection between the faucet 13 and the connector45. This step S43 corresponds to a process performed by the accessmovement control means of the present invention.

[0104] Subsequently, the control device 79 determines whether theconnectors 54, 55, 64, 65 and the faucets 23, 24, 33, 34 arerespectively connected by means of a not shown sensor equipped with therailway vehicle 90 (S44). If the connection is not detected (S44: NO),the process returns to S44. If the connection is detected (S44: YES),the control device 79 stops supplying the compressed air into theexpanders 51, 61, opens the valves 239, 339, as shown in FIGS. 5C and6C, to activate the sewage sucking unit 75. At the same time, it opensthe water feeding valve 76 to start sucking of the sewage collectedinside the sewage tank 20 and feeding of water into the water tank 30(S45: FIG. 11C). As mentioned above, it is necessary to discharge thewater stored in the water tank 30 when the water in the water tank hasbeen held more than a certain period of time. In this case, the controldevice 79 may open the valve 349 (see FIG. 6C) to perform a waterdischarging process and start supplying water to the water tank 30(S45), after the connection between the connectors 65, etc. and thefaucets 34, etc. is detected (S40: YES). Step S44 corresponds to aprocess performed by the connection determination means of the presentinvention, and step S45 corresponds to a process performed by thefeeding/discharging movement control means of the present invention.

[0105] Then, it is determined whether the sewage is removed completelyand the water tank 30 is filled with water (S46). The sewage suckingunit 75 is designed to suck the sewage at a certain suction rate perhour. Therefore, whether the sewage is completely removed is determinedon whether a period of time required to remove the sewage filling thesewage tank 20 has passed. The water tank 30 is equipped with a notshown priming-water detector. Whether water has filled the water tank 30is determined on whether the priming-water detector detected that thewater tank 30 is filled with water. Step S46 corresponds to a processperformed by the feeding/discharging completion determination means.

[0106] In step S46, if it is determined negatively (S46: NO), theprocess returns to step S46. If it is determined affirmatively (S46:YES), the control device 79 closes the valves 239, 339 to stop theoperation of the sewage sucking unit 75, and closes the water feedingvalve 76 to stop suction of the sewage and feeding of water (S47). Then,as to the sewage tank 20, the base water feeding valve 77 and the valve249 are opened after the sewage is removed, and a predetermined amountof base water is fed (S48). The base water may be fed during dischargeof the sewage.

[0107] Subsequently, a not shown discharging valve is opened todischarge the air inside the expanders 51, 61, and the disconnectionmovement in which the connectors 54, 55, 64, 65 are disconnected fromthe faucets 23, 24, 33, 34 is performed (S49). Step S49 corresponds to aprocess performed by the disconnection movement means of the presentinvention.

[0108] Then, the control device 74 confirms that the expanders 51, 61are placed within the waiting location 58 by means of a not shown sensor(S50). Subsequently, the control device 74 closes the body side covers25, 35 (FIG. 11D), closes the ground side cover 57 (S51: FIG. 11F),moves back the shifter 56 to its original position (S52), and ends thissewage discharging and water feeding/discharging process.

[0109] Utilization of the automation system 1 for train maintenance ofthe present invention which operates as above produces advantages asbelow.

[0110] Firstly, in the automation system 1 for train maintenance of thepresent embodiment, the operation for connecting and disconnecting theconnectors 45, 54, 55, 64, 65 (which correspond to thefeeding/discharging opening of the present invention) to and from therefuse reservoir 10, sewage tank 20 and water tank 30, and the operationfor discharging the refuse and sewage and feeding water by the refusevacuuming unit 74, sewage sucking unit 75 and opening and closing of thewater feeding valve 76 are automated. Therefore, utilization of thisautomation system 1 realizes automatic train maintenance without humanintervention.

[0111] The automation system 1 of the present embodiment makesadjustment to eliminate the gap when the actual parking position and thepredetermined parking position differ (S20-S21). As a result, even ifthe railway vehicle 90 is not parked at the predetermined position, theconnectors 45, 54, 55, 64, 65 are automatically moved to the appropriateposition where train maintenance can be performed. Therefore,utilization of the automation system 1 of the present embodiment enablesautomatic train maintenance even if the railway vehicle 90 is not parkedat the right position.

[0112] In the automation system 1 of the present embodiment, themultiple-layered airing is adopted. Therefore, when the railway vehicle90 vibrates during getting on and off of the passengers, the expanders41, 42, 51, 61 also vibrate to the vibration of the railway vehicle 90.Consequently, disconnection of the connectors 45, 54, 55, 63, 64 fromthe refuse reservoir 10, sewage tank 20 and water tank 30 are avoided.Utilization of the automation system 1 of the present embodiment ensuresreliable train maintenance even during getting on and off of thepassengers.

[0113] In the automation system 1 of the present embodiment, the refusecollected in the refuse reservoir 10 is ground. Therefore, even therefuse larger than the cross section of the refuse discharging duct 43is discharged without fail.

[0114] In the automation system 1 for train maintenance of the presentembodiment, when the refuse is vacuumed, the mouth 180 provided in thepassenger cabin of the railway vehicle 90 is sealed with the lid 182.Therefore, suction of the air in the passenger cabin is avoided, anddischarge of the refuse is performed without offending the passengers.In addition, in the automation system 1 for train maintenance of thepresent embodiment, the compressed air supplying unit 12 supplies theair into the refuse reservoir 10 upon vacuuming. Therefore, suction ofthe air initially present inside the refuse reservoir 10 which isairtight by sealing of the mouth 180 does not hinder continuousdischarge of the refuse in virtue of the supplied air. Even if the airpressure inside the refuse reservoir 10 is lowered, collapse of therefuse reservoir 10 can be avoided.

[0115] In the automation system 1 of the present embodiment, the airsupplied into the refuse reservoir 10 spouts toward the stored refuse.Therefore, the refuse is diffused and can be discharged without beingstuck inside the refuse reservoir 10.

[0116] The automation system 1 of the present embodiment ensuresconnection of the connectors 45, etc. to the refuse reservoir 10, etc.,even if the railway vehicle 90 is not parked at the right position andthe connectors 45, etc. are more or less off the attaching position atwhich the connectors 45, etc. are to be attached to the refuse reservoir10, etc. If the positions of the male connecting portions 136, etc arewithin the opening area of the female connecting portions 453, etc.,either of the male connecting portions 136, etc. or the femaleconnecting portions 142, etc. moves along the taper while the connectors45, etc. are approaching toward the railway vehicle 90. As a result, theconnectors 45, etc. are lead to the position capable of being connectedto the refuse reservoir 10, etc., and connections of the connectors 45,etc. to the refuse reservoir 10, etc. are ensured.

[0117] The automation system 1 for train maintenance of the presentembodiment is provided with the partition walls 15, 26, 36 to preventfluctuation of air pressure from affecting the air inside of the railwayvehicle 90 through the openings on the railway vehicle 90 for connectingthe connectors 44, 45, 54, 55, 64, 65 to the refuse reservoir 10, sewagetank 20 and water tank 30 equipped with the railway vehicle 90.Accordingly, even if the air pressure is fluctuated due to passing ofthe other trains during the train maintenance, the fluctuation does notaffect the air inside the railway vehicle 90. Thus the environmentinside the railway vehicle 90 is kept comfortable.

[0118] In addition, train maintenance had been conventionally performedby a laborer by hand from the front vehicle to the succeeding vehiclesone after another. Then, it was necessary to park the train for a longtime for maintenance. However, if all the railway vehicles are broughtunder maintenance at a time by using the automation system 1 for trainmaintenance of the present embodiment, maintenance time required fortrain maintenance can be considerably reduced. Thus operatingperformance of trains can be raised.

[0119] The present invention should not be limited to the abovedescribed embodiment, and other modifications and variations might bepossible without departing from the technical scope of the invention.

[0120] For instance, the ground side covers 47, 57 may be slid to thetraveling direction to be opened and closed. If the inner partition 130can seal the refuse reservoir 10 at any given time, or if it is notrequired to seal the refuse reservoir 10 regardless of the refuse beingstuck in the space where the inner partition 130 is provided, the secondinner partition 132 can be omitted.

[0121] In the present embodiment, the male connecting portion 136 isprovided with the faucet 13 for discharging. the refuse, and the femaleconnecting portion 453 is provided with the connector 45, for example.However, a female connecting portion may be provided with the faucet 13,and a male connecting portion may be provided with the connector 45.

[0122] The automation system of the present embodiment may be used as aunit for feeding a fuel to a power source car connected to a sleepertrain, electricity supply facilities of a maglev train, or a railwaymotor car.

[0123] The multiple-layered airing is used for the expanders 41, 42, toprevent the coupled faucet 13 and connector 45 from being disconnectedwhen the railway vehicle 90 is vibrated during getting on and off of thepassengers. However, if such vibration is not necessarily taken intoaccount, the expanders 41, 42, 51, 61 may be constituted from ahydraulic jack, etc.

[0124] The automation system 1 of the present embodiment may only beprovided with one of these: equipment for discharging refuse, equipmentfor discharging sewage, and equipment for feeding water.

[0125] If the automation system 1 is used for a railway vehicle of theconventional railway lines, the body side cover 14 and partition wall 15are not necessarily required. Because passing of the other trains doesnot cause substantial change in the air pressure and there is littleinfluence on the air inside of the railway vehicle 90.

[0126] It is preferable that a device space where the devices whichsupport the automation system 1 are installed and a passing space wherethe railway vehicle 90 passes are not communicated with each other viathe waiting locations 48, 58, and that the device apace is sealedagainst the waiting locations 48, 58. The devices which support theautomation system 1 are, for example, laying pipes via which thecompressed air is sent to the waiting locations 48, 58, the compressedair pump 73, etc. In this manner, even if the air pressure in thepassing space is fluctuated due to passing of the other trains and thereis a laborer who performs maintenance on the devices in the device area,the fluctuation in the air pressure in the passing space does not affectthe laborer. The laborer can perform maintenance on the devices in acomfortable environment.

[0127] In the present embodiment, expanders 61, etc. of the automaticsystem 1 are expanded and contracted in the vertical direction under therailway vehicle 90. However, for example, if the water tank 30, etc. areprovided on the side face of the railway vehicle 90, or on the ceiling,the expanders 61, etc. may be provided on the ground, so that theconnectors 64, etc. can be moved close to or away from the railwayvehicle 90 in the lateral direction, or in the vertical direction abovethe railway vehicle 90.

[0128] Industrial Availability

[0129] As described in details in the above, the automation system fortrain maintenance of the present invention can automate maintenance of atrain without human intervention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An automation system for train maintenance thatperforms train maintenance during the train is parked, comprising:storing means provided in a railway vehicle forming the train,feeding/discharging means, installed on the ground, for feeding thestorage to be supplied to the storing means or discharging storage to bedischarged from the storing means via a feeding/discharging opening;feeding/discharging opening shifting means for performing access.movement in which the feeding/discharging opening of thefeeding/discharging means is moved close toward the railway vehicle froma waiting location on the ground to connect the feeding/dischargingopening to the storing means, and disconnection movement in which thefeeding/discharging opening connected to the storing means is moved awayfrom the railway vehicle toward the waiting location to disconnect thefeeding/discharging opening from the storing means; parkingdetermination means for determining whether the trains is parked;connection determination means for determining whether thefeeding/discharging opening is connected to the storing means;feeding/discharging completion determination means for determiningwhether the feeding of the storage to be fed or the discharge of thestorage to be discharged is completed; access movement control means forurging the feeding/discharging opening shifting means to perform theaccess movement when the parking determination means determines that thetrain is parked: feeding/discharging movement control means for urgingthe feeding/discharging means to feed the storage to be supplied or todischarge the storage to be discharged when the connection determinationmeans determines that the feeding/discharging opening is connected tothe storing means; and disconnection movement control means for urging.the disconnecting means to perform the disconnection movement when thefeeding/discharging completion means determines that the feeding of thestorage to be supplied or the discharge of the storage to be dischargedis completed.
 2. The automation system for train maintenance as setforth in claim 1 further comprising traveling direction shifting meansfor moving the feeding/discharging opening along the traveling directionof the train, wherein said access movement control means urges saidtraveling direction shifting means to move said feeding/dischargingopening to eliminate a gap between an actual parking position and apredetermined parking position of the train and urges saidfeeding/discharging opening shifting means to perform said accessmovement, when said parking determination means determines that saidtrain is parked and there is such a gap.
 3. The automation system fortrain maintenance as set forth in claim 1 or 2 wherein saidfeeding/discharging opening shifting means is constituted from avibration absorbent which absorbs vibration of said railway vehicle. 4.The automation system for train maintenance as set forth in claim 3wherein said feeding/discharging opening shifting. means is constitutedfrom a multiple-layered airing which is composed of expandable airingsthat are layered in their expanding direction.
 5. The automation systemfor train maintenance as set forth in one of claims 1-4 wherein saidstoring means comprises grinding means for grinding said storage to bedischarged inside the storing means.
 6. The automation system for trainmaintenance as set forth in one of claims 1-5 wherein saidfeeding/discharging means corresponds to vacuuming means for vacuumingand discharging said storage to be discharged from said storing means,the storing means comprising: a lid capable of sealing a mouth providedinside said railway vehicle for throwing the storage to be dischargedinto the storing means; and air supplying means for supplying the airinto the storing means, wherein the mouth is sealed with the lid and theair is supplied from the air supplying means into the storing means,while the vacuuming means vacuums and discharges the waste.
 7. Theautomation system for train maintenance as set forth in claim 6 whereinsaid air supplying means diffuses said storage to be discharged by meansof the air supplied into said storing means.
 8. The automation systemfor train maintenance as set forth in one of claims 1-7 furthercomprising: female connecting means provided in one of a connectionopening of said storing means and the feeding/discharging opening ofsaid feeding/discharging means and formed into a taper so that theopening area of the female connecting means is enlarged toward the tip;and male connecting means provided in the other of the connectionopening of the storing means and the feeding/discharging opening of thefeeding/discharging means to be connected to the female connectingmeans, wherein said access movement control means urges saidfeeding/discharging opening shifting means to perform said accessmovement when the female connecting means faces the male connectingmeans.
 9. The automation system for train maintenance as set forth inone of claims 1-8 comprising isolation means that prevents thefluctuation in the air pressure from affecting the environment insidethe railway vehicle through an opening provided on the railway vehiclefor connecting said feeding/discharging opening to said storing meansinstalled in the railway vehicle.